First day of CarFest 2014 is a roaring success

Thousands of families flocked to Laverstoke Park Farm for the first day of the three-day spectacle yesterday and they weren’t disappointed.

The Red Devils, who are based at Netheravon, in Salisbury kicked off the proceedings with a spectacular display from above the farm and once safely on the ground, they made their way through the crowds to meet stunned audiences.

Younger audiences at the event, which raises thousands of pounds for BBC’s Children in Need, were not disappointed either as a “Book Den” entertained children with a variety of workshops and book readings.

Basingstoke-born ventriloquist Steve Hewlett wowed crowds at 4pm with a performance with his famous Simon Cowell puppet and a chilli eating competition held by the Wiltshire Chilli Farm attracted a crowd to watch 11 brave volunteers attempt to eat some of the hottest chilli’s in the world.

Owner of Laverstoke Park Farm and former Formula One racing driver, Jody Scheckter, told The Gazette: “It is fantastic. When Chris Evans suggested it one evening when we were having a few drinks, I didn’t think it would turn into something like this.”

Crowds started to gather at the main music arena at 7pm as Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton filmed The One Show live from Laverstoke Park Farm, with a star studded line-up including Paul Hollywood and James Martin.

Three families were also given a treat live on air as Pamber Heath father Paul Townsend, who owns Shine on Detail, carried out a deep clean of their cars and polished them to make them look brand new.

The 36 year-old also appeared live on The One Show, showing Chris Evans the products he uses to polish rare and prestigious sports cars as well as giving the audience some of his top tips for washing their cars.

As the sun started to set and the temperature dropped music lovers were treated to a jam-packed line up of musical entertainment.

Chas and Dave wowed the crowds with a selection of their hits before Oasis tribute band, Noasis, belted out some of Oasis’ popular tracks including Wonderwall and Rock “N” Roll Star.

Pop star Eliza Doolittle got the crowd roaring with her catchy set of hits including Pack Up, Big When I Was Little and You and Me.

However the biggest cheer of the night went to Erasure who brought the first day of the three-day event to a close, entertaining the crowd with their dance hits Ship of Fools, Always and Chorus.